After a terrific day with a roomful of very enthusiastic librarians in the beautiful city of Dayton, Ohio, I flew to New York City to finish out the week. It’s been a hectic, challenging, but very rewarding week.
I make this trip to NYC quite often, but this week is because I get to see the “One World Trade Center,” which was recently completed after years of construction by thousands of proud, dedicated and determined New York professionals.
The World Trade Center’s rebirth has long revolved around creating a centerpiece of unsparing symbolism: a skyscraper 1,776 feet tall, its height an homage and a bold statement reflecting our past while looking forward.
A few weeks ago the final two sections of the 408-foot, 758-ton spire were installed. Now keep in mind, we’re talking the spire alone! … 408 feet tall and weighing 758 TONS! What a tremendous milestone for New Yorkers and tourists from around the world as well.
The impressive skyscraper is expected to be open next year but has already been viewed by millions of locals and tourists alike who simply couldn’t wait.
A local newspaper article stated that architect Daniel Libeskind envisioned the tower “restoring the spiritual peak of the city, creating an icon that speaks to our vitality in the face of danger and our optimism in the aftermath of tragedy.” His vision more than met expectations.
With its spire reaching 1,776 feet, an echo of the nation’s founding year, it is the tallest skyscraper in the U.S. and third-tallest in the world. The spire at One World Trade Center will serve as a television and radio antenna, and it will feature an LED-powered light that will be visible from tens of miles away. The light, which will change colors, is to be activated in the next few months.
I very seldom find myself at a loss for words, but standing at the base of this magnificent structure, all I could muster was a tear in my ear and a frog in my throat! During my regular visits to this site over the past 12 years, I’ve witnessed a true miracle emerge from the site of a devastating disaster! You simply can’t stand there without experiencing great respect for the past, tremendous pride in the present and renewed hope for the future!
If you get an opportunity to visit “The Big Apple,” make it a point to visit One World Trade Center … you’ll never regret it!
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.